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HARD-UP pensioners and families hoping to get charity cash to repair the gravestones of loved ones have been halted by red tape.

Campaigners were hoping to organise a series of fundraising events to help people meet the average #350 costs of fixing tombstones at Witton Cemetery.

But they were told by council bosses to establish and register a charity first.

It comes after the Birmingham Mail revealed that health and safety inspectors warned families that many old gravestones would have to be laid flat because they are leaning and could topple on unsuspecting passers-by.

Those wishing to keep the heavy stones upright need to pay hundreds of pounds to make them safe and secure.

The Friends of Witton Cemetery campaign group today slammed the council for putting a stop to the fundraising.

Coun Keith Linnecor (Lab, Oscott), a founder member, said: "It was a wonderful idea, but a group such as our simply does not have the time or expertise to set up and run a registered charity.

"The council has officers with the expertise and professionalism to do this but they refuse to help.

"It is a sorry state of affairs that the council will not pay for this and then stops a community group helping themselves with bureaucracy. In other areas councils are giving subsides, but in Birmingham the council is saying don't bother."

One of those offering to raise money was Kingstanding resident Lionel Felton whose 11 sons were prepared to take part in a charity football match.

He said: "We wanted to help the old folks who can't afford the repairs but they have stopped us with red tape."

A Birmingham City Council spokeswoman said: "We will look at the situation again to see if there is any further advice we can offer."